Nestled in a historic Hamilton Heights townhouse, the Children's Art Carnival (CAC) carries a legacy of artistic innovation and activism that expands far beyond its walls. When celebrated artist and educator Betty Blayton, one of the founding members of the
Studio Museum in Harlem,
took the helm of the program in 1969, she envisioned a safe space where Uptown youth could channel their creative expression, imaginative ideas, and self-reflection through the arts amid shifting political and societal landscapes.
Nearly 57 years after its inception, the CAC remains a creative haven in Harlem, hosting community-driven workshops and open studios rooted in making arts education accessible for youth and championing emerging and established artists who contribute to the neighborhood’s vibrancy. Its impact and influence are being illuminated in the latest iteration of the Wallach Art Gallery’s Uptown Triennial series, titled Children’s Art Carnival in Harlem: The Making of Contemporary Artists, which is now on view through Sept. 13. Columbia Neighbors spoke with the art show’s curator,
Souleo,
about how the CAC has transformed the local community, Blayton’s legacy, and the curatorial vision behind the exhibition.
When looking at the work of Harlem-based artist Tom Sanford (CC’98), it’s evident that he’s in a New York state of mind. From his newly opened “Uptown Visions” public art installation at the
Hispanic Society Museum & Library
to the larger-than-life cut-out portraits of iconic New York Knicks players that he created during the team’s historic championship run—which made appearances at City Hall and the ticker-tape parade—he’s used his artistry to celebrate the people embedded in the fabric of NYC culture. Sanford reflected on his creative journey, his longtime love for the Knicks, and his celebration of community through art. Read more.
For 13 years, The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH)’s Uptown Shakespeare in the Park series has reenvisioned literary classics and brought them to life in the heart of the neighborhood. The theater company’s current summer production of Othello, which runs through July 26 at
Marcus Garvey Park, is directed by Columbia University School of the Arts alum Carl Cofield—who currently serves as CTH’s associate artistic director—with assistant direction from Kanika Asavari Vaish (SOA’22). “For Uptown Shakespeare in the Park, we seek plays that speak directly to our audiences today,”
said Ty Jones, artistic director at CTH. “
Othello’s unraveling is not just personal; it is societal.”Read more.
Twice a year, Columbia Neighbors publishes a print brochure that encompasses a collection of stories and resources rooted in culture, community, and connection. The 2026 Summer/Fall edition celebrates the work of locals dedicated to preserving Uptown’s history. Download the print newsletter, available in English and
Spanish.
Through his current exhibitions in Chinatown and the Bronx, Cruz, Visual Arts Director of Graduate Studies, Concentration Head of Painting, and Assistant Professor at Columbia University School of the Arts, explores identity, geography, queer histories, and more.
Smith, whose work has been featured at institutions including the Museum of Modern Art and the Studio Museum in Harlem, discusses her creative practice and offers a lens into courses she teaches at Columbia.
Sarah Cecilia Bukowski (GS’27) has been awarded a New York Public Library Dance Research Fellowship, joining a cohort of dance scholars and practitioners selected to explore the legacy of Mexican American modern dance pioneer José Limón.
Upcoming Events
Harlem Summer Nights Usher in the weekend with a vibrant celebration of culture, culinary innovation, and community at the first installment of We Eat Here’sHarlem Summer Nights series. Hosted under the arches of West Harlem’s iconic viaduct, the open-air festival—formerly known as Uptown Night Market—will feature over 50 food vendors reflective of the neighborhood’s global flavors, live music performances and DJ sets, giveaways, and more. The event, which is proudly sponsored by the
West Harlem Development Corporation,Columbia University, and other community partners, is free and open to the public. Friday, July 10, 4:00 pm
Uptown Film Screening: ‘Hamilton’ Swing by the George Bruce Library for a Saturday afternoon screening of Hamilton.
As part of the NYPL’s series of events commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary, the local branch is hosting a communal viewing of the filmed version of the award-winning Broadway musical. The Revolutionary Era-inspired play, written by Inwood native Lin-Manuel Miranda, dives into the life and times of the statesman, chronicling his political ascension, personal adversities, and his fatal battle with Vice President Aaron Burr—which occurred 222 years ago to the day. The film screening is free and open to the public. Registration is suggested. Saturday, July 11, 12:00 pm
Uptown Volunteer Project: Sakura Park Roll up your sleeves and tap into the power of communal volunteerism at Sakura Park. During this beautification project, led by the Riverside Park Conservancy
and longtime local gardener Winston Johnson, volunteers will connect through stewardship activities, including weeding, raking, shoveling, and pruning plants within the green space and along Claremont Avenue. The project is free to join and open to the public. Registration is required.
Wednesday, July 15, 9:00 am
Crafts on the Corner: Sketch Sessions Channel the creative inspiration from the works featured in the Wallach Art Gallery’sChildren’s Art Carnival in Harlem: The Making of Contemporary Artists exhibition into drawing your next masterpiece! During the next installment of the
Lee C. Bollinger Forum’sCrafts on the Corner series, which will blend sketching and sounds, attendees will explore the art of improvisational drawing. All materials will be provided, and no experience is required. The communal art session will begin at The Forum and conclude at the Wallach Art Gallery. The event—open to all ages—is free and open to the public. Registration is suggested. Wednesday, July 15, 12:00 pm
